With the launch of NoSQL, many were of the opinion that it would drive MySQL out of the market. MySQL is an open source RDBMS (Relational Database Management System) which utilizes Structured Query Language (SQL). People use SQL in the design and development industry to add, obtain, and regulate a database’s content. This language is widely recognized for its flexibility and simplicity of use, fast processing and validated dependability. MySQL forms an integral part of major open source PHP applications.

MySQL is not about to exit the market, despite imminent competition. It has been around for close to two decades, and is still holding strong. One of its greatest competitors, the Oracle SQL language, has seen its popularity dwindling over the years while MySQL enjoys notable stability.

An open package with numerous benefits

Oracle and MySQL lost popularity to more recent database management systems. However, MySQL remains quite popular in comparison to other database engines, even though Oracle seems to have a slight upper hand. According to this database systems ranking of the year 2017, Oracle seems to be facing stiff competition from MySQL. On the other hand, Microsoft SQL server seems to be giving MySQL a run for their money.

There are similarities between Oracle and MySQL. For instance, general search interest in both Oracle and MySQL has dwindled as the years go by. This has also been the case with Microsoft SQL Server. However, professional interest in all these systems continues to show stability, so much so that it indicates dominance in almost every database. NoSQL used to rule the enterprise, especially when businesses were grappling with the variety, volume, and velocity control of modern day data. Here, MySQL managed to survive the turmoil and went ahead to show prosperity.

MySQL provides contentment

While NoSQL was highly embraced by huge corporate companies such as MongoDB, they still kept holding on to MySQL. NoSQL has been able to post notable interests from collaborating with these companies. From various studies, these companies continue to work with MySQL because some of their operations can only run on a relational database. As much as companies that are worth less than $100 million are decent sized, they have been categorical when it comes to the use of relational databases. Surveys attribute this to the type of mega data that companies deal with today. Many companies have maintained the transactional form of data transmission, which forms immaculate columns and rows in an RDBMS.

Experts base much of MySQL’s popularity to the fact that it accommodates every skill of database experts. Database professionals find it fun to work on MySQL, as it gives them an opportunity to apply skills gained from studying IBM DB2, Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle. MySQL’s characteristics are irresistible. The fact that professionals can work with an open source database, which is not only free but also universal, makes it convenient.

Following technological advancements, many interested individuals are increasingly joining the development industry. For this reason, finding an authentic developer is becoming more difficult by the day. However, one can find an experienced and professional developer from a recognised freelancing website.

Scaling

In the beginning, MySQL strived to scale up but failed to scale out. In today’s world, when much of everything relies on scaling out, survival was going to be tough. After several advancements and revisions, professionals are finding that MySQL has the capability to scale sufficiently. According to the executive founding officer of Linux, Chris Aniszczyk, MySQL seems to have emanated from a weak design. However, technical engineers working for big web corporate companies such as Facebook and Google played a major role in employing scale into the system. MySQL’s ability to scale increased fast enough and many professionals got wind of it. This helped develop a strong belief towards its capability to handle mega workloads.

MySQL is not the ultimate winner in connection to scale though. While reiterating just how dynamic NoSQL is on scale, DJ Walker Morgan, the developer of Compose.io, said its functionality is comparable to the weight loss benefits one gains from consuming a diet meal. However, this is only successful after application of restraint and adequate control. The numerous examples available online are enough to influence developers into trying it. The fact that MySQL contains numerous similarities to various systems in the database application community is an added reason to give it a try. David Mytton, the Server Density CEO, is categorical in saying that regulated services such as Aurora and RDS provide scale solutions for MySQL.

Even after 22 years in the industry, MySQL has managed to remain relevant while maintaining popularity as the most convenient database the world over. It may not have some of the features which other databases have managed to hold on to, stamping their authority like Oracle’s enterprise grade and NoSQL’s horizontal scale. However, both past and modern-day developers attest to the fact that MySQL is their database of choice. Unlike other free databases, MySQL is dynamic and has recognizable relation database features which enhance its functionality.

What one needs to know about MySQL

Scalability, convenience, speed, and dependability

Different developers look for different features in a database. For the purpose of those looking for a database that can offer the above-mentioned feature, then MySQL is the way to go. It is capable of running adequately on both on a laptop and a desktop. It can easily adapt to the environment, ensuring it does not collide with already existing web servers or applications. Using MySQL on a particular computer enables users to modify settings in order to get the most out of CPU power, memory, and the available input/output capacity. Individuals can use MySQL to scale components of networked computers.

MySQL Server is important for fast management of broad databases. Stories of its prosperity abound from rigorous production environments. MySQL Server undergoes regular development so it can accommodate essential functions. It comes with powerful security, connectivity and speed, factors that enhance its performance when it comes to gaining internet access.

MySQL databases are relational

The convenience of a relational database is that it stores data in different tables instead of keeping it in a centralized place. It comes with orderly and optimized files to maximise speed. The organization happens in various models such as views, rows, columns, tables and databases which provide a pliable environment for programming. It is the duty of the developer to create rules that define various data relationships. These include one-to-many, one-to-one, optional/required, pointers within divergent tables and unique. A MySQL database is capable of administering these rules to enable the formation of a sufficiently organized and designed database. This ensures that applications do not experience duplicity, inconsistency, missing data, out-of-date or orphan.

With (SQL) being the commonly used standardized language for database access, users can carry out editing and direct entries. However, the programming environment determines whether or not this is possible. Users can use this procedure to convert SQL statements into an encrypted code, report generation, or hiding the SQL syntax through a language-specific API.

Open Source

The MySQL software is open source. Ideally, anybody is capable of using and editing it to fit their specifications. Any developer can access and download it from the internet and it is free. Additionally, the MySQL software uses General Public License (GPL) which guides developers on how to use it under varying circumstances.

Finally

Developers who do not know what to choose between different database management systems can go for MySQL. Despite the fact that it has been in existence for two decades, statistics show that its popularity has been quite steady.

This article reiterates the features that make MySQL more popular than other DB systems in the development industry. It will enable developers to understand the advantages that come with using this open source management software.